AMD throws down the GPU gauntlet with Radeon HD 6990M

AMD has upped the stakes in the mobile GPU game for notebooks my tossing the new HD 6990M onto the market. The new mobile GPU is the fastest single mobile graphics processor in the world according to AMD. The 6990M was measures at 25% faster than other enthusiast level notebook GPUs according to AMD. The GPU also supports CrossFireX technology. The GPU also supports dual Graphics with a combination of multiple Radeon GPUs or a Radeon GPU and an AMD APU.

AMD pitted the 6990M GPU against the NVIDIA GeForce 580M in benchmarks and found it to be faster in games like Dragon Age 2, Total War: Shogun 2, Aliens vs. Predator, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and several others. From what I can tell most of the game benchmarks used are older game titles. AMD says that the new GPU is also a significant upgrade to its own 6970M GPU.

The 6990M promises fast frame rates and better image quality. The GPU will also support up to six displays, App Acceleration technology, and more. Alienware will be using the new GPU as will Clevo and Eurocom among other computer firms.

“There’s always been a belief that when it comes to mobile computing you need to make performance compromises. Today AMD demolishes that myth,” said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager, GPU division, AMD. “The AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPU, which not only packs AMD Eyefinity technology with unprecedented specs, also provides full Microsoft DirectX(R) 11 and Stereo 3D support. Bottom line, this processor is epic and it’s here — now.”